Forks Twp. Supervisors will not object to planned McDonald's

Township residents who want to satisfy their cravings for a Big Mac and super-sized French fries without traveling very far will get no objection from Forks Township Supervisors.

The board, during a Thursday night work session, was briefed on plans for a 24-hour McDonald's restaurant planned for construction off Towne Center Boulevard, near Sullivan Trail.

The fast food restaurant is slated to sit in a shopping center behind the Rita's Italian Ice franchise and across from the Giant Food Store.

Developers will appear Monday at 7 p.m. in front of the Forks Township Zoning Hearing Board to request several variances, including one for the restaurant's trademark golden arches sign that will sit at least 15 feet high.

"As of now, we don't have any objection to the plan and that's where we are now," said supervisor Bob Egolf.

Supervisor, Erik Chuss, said he'd like to see sidewalks built leading from the Rita's Italian Ice store to the fast food restaurant to accommodate pedestrians.

The restaurant also requires a variance for its 46 planned additional parking spaces.

The shopping center, with its current 485 parking spaces, is already operating with a parking variance, according to township Zoning Officer Tim Weis.

"We want the business. Our parking is always an issue, because we always ask for too much parking," Weis said. "The general consensus is that the board isn't going to oppose the plans. A traffic study still has to be done and it will take many months for everything to be completed."

Other variances are for directional signage, loading areas and roofing, Weis said.

Township planners gave their approval for the McDonald's in January.

The restaurant's interior section will close in the late evening with the drive-through remaining open 24 hours.

Some residents have complained to township officials about the planned McDonald's, citing drive-through traffic concerns and smells emanating from the restaurant, Weis said.

Weis told the board that construction on the restaurant could start by fall if all approvals are obtained.

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